15 Memory-Worthy Father's Day Gifts

Natasha Burton

June 13, 2014

“Another year, another tie” seems to be the standard Father's Day motto.

But this year, why not think outside the box—for Dad’s sake and yours. Rather than gift him something he probably doesn't need, show him how much he means to you by giving him an unforgettable experience. Better yet, choose one you can enjoy together.

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Not only will an interactive gift lend some relief to an overstuffed tie drawer, but research shows that paying for memory-making moments (as opposed to stuff) can be a really satisfying way to spend your discretionary cash—a principle you may be able to apply to your overall spending strategy too.

"We encourage clients to savor what they spend," says Natalie Taylor, a CFP® with LearnVest Planning Services. "Once they think about what they truly savor, they often find that experiences are much more meaningful and important to them than things."

Need some ideas for gifts your dad will savor? Whether he's into adventure, arts or sports, here are 15 "memorable" Father's Day gifts for a variety of tastes—and budgets.

5 Gifts for Dad Under $50

1. Microbrewery Tour: From $5

From Oregon to North Carolina, nearly every state has jumped on the craft beer bandwagon. If you have a lager-loving dad, treat him to a brewery tour, so he can see how hops are made—and then relax with a cold one. To find a facility near you, check out The Daily Meal's top-ranked breweries. Tours are typically $5 or less, plus $8 to $15 for a craft beer flight.

2. Planetarium Show: From $15 for two

Surprise your science-aficionado father with a day spent marveling at the universe at your local science museum or planetarium—many of which offer interactive stargazing shows. (For locations across the country, check out Go-Astrology.com.)

3. Movie Tickets: $16 for two

4. Baseball Game: From $20 for two

Take Dad out to a major or minor league ball game—and get him some peanuts and Cracker Jacks too. For sports lovers, there's nothing better than celebrating Father's Day watching your home team—fingers crossed—clinch a win.

5. Painting Class: $35

Inspire your art-loving dad to unleash his inner Monet by treating him to a painting (and wine-drinking) course through Painting With a Twist, which has locations across the country.

5 Gifts for Dad Under $100

1. Zombie Run: $45 to $75

For some dads, a regular 5K could be monotonous to complete, but there's nothing dull about running a race while being chased by actors dressed up as zombies. If you have an active dad who harbors a sense of adventure (and humor!), sign him up for the next Zombie Run, which is staged in cities across the country.

2. Indoor Skydiving: From $60

Why not use Father's Day as an excuse to help Dad cross an item off his bucket list? If he's always wanted to try skydiving, treat him to a simulated—and more affordable—indoor experience with a company like iFly.

3. Zip Line Tour: From $70

Adrenaline-junkie dads will love the rush of zip-lining hundreds of feet off the ground. Tours are available pretty much anywhere these days—from big cities to forests. Find a facility near you at WorldWideZipline.com.

4. Sur La Table Cooking Class: $78 for two

The national cooking retailer is offering a special "Cooking With Dad" course as part of its regular lineup of classes. Together, you and Pops can make a meal worthy of the occasion: chicken quesadillas with chunky guacamole, grilled sliders, baked potato fries and S'more sundaes.

5. Wine Tasting Tour: From $76

There's more to wine country than just northern California. There are plenty of places to sample Pinots and Chardonnays across the U.S., including New York, Michigan, Washington, Texas, Virginia, Oregon and even Hawaii. Choose a tour that speaks to your dad's idea of a perfect day—some wineries include sightseeing and food tasting along with the vino.

5 Gifts for Dad Under $150

1. PGA Golf Lesson: $129

Help Dad step up his game, thanks to a private, one-hour lesson with a Class-A Professional from the PGA. He'll learn tips and tricks to improve his alignment, hit the ball farther and, hopefully, keep him under par.

2. Indy Car Ride: $130

Does Dad have a need for speed? Then give him the experience of riding shotgun in a race car through the Mario Andretti Racing Experience, with locations throughout the U.S.

3. Tough Mudder: From $119

Athletic dads will love the challenge of completing Tough Mudder, a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course that tests not just strength but teamwork and mental stamina. Commit to doing it with him for a truly unforgettable experience.

4. Flying Lesson: From $119

Let Dad get behind the wheel of a Cessna—and find out what it's really like to fly the friendly skies by soaring over your city guided by a pro. Plug in your location at Cloud9Living.com to find a flying experience near you.

5. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Concert: From $100

Is your father a fan of such classic hits as “Free Falling” and “Learning To Fly”? Lucky for him, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is going on tour from August to October this year, visiting a number of cities across the country. To find a show near you, check out the full lineup of venues and dates.

LearnVest Planning Services is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of LearnVest, Inc. that provides financial plans for its clients. Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment, legal or tax planning advice. Please consult a financial adviser, attorney or tax specialist for advice specific to your financial situation. LearnVest Planning Services and any third parties listed or linked to in this message are separate and unaffiliated and are not responsible for each other’s products, services or policies.

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LearnVest Planning Services is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of LearnVest, Inc. that provides financial plans for its clients. Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Please consult a financial adviser for advice specific to your financial situation. LearnVest Planning Services and any third-parties listed, discussed, identified or otherwise appearing herein are separate and unaffiliated and are not responsible for each other’s products, services or policies. LearnVest, Inc. is wholly owned by NM Planning, LLC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.